Monday, April 4, 2016

Severe Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms - Medically Managing Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Alcohol Detox Center specializes in medically managing all moderate to severe withdrawal symptoms produced by alcohol and all other addictive substances. Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms When the consumption of alcohol, after a prolonged period of intake is reduced or stopped abruptly, it produces a set of withdrawal symptoms that range from mild to life-threatening. This group of symptoms is known by clinicians as an alcohol withdrawal syndrome. If not treated medically, this syndrome can become quite dangerous and even result in death. Mild Alcohol Withdrawal SymptomsThe milder of these symptoms themselves aren't necessarily dangerous, however, they can make a person feel so uncomfortable that it becomes nearly impossible to complete the detox process without the assistance and support of an alcohol detox center. The less severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms that lead many alcoholics back to the drink when trying to stop on their own are; shakes, sweats, night sweats, cold sweats, headache, anxiety and nausea. Moderate Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms There is another group of moderate alcohol withdrawal symptoms, that by themselves also aren't life threatening, but may cause serious complications if the alcoholic isn't otherwise in good health when he attempts to stop. These moderate symptoms include; high blood pressure, rapid pulse, high blood pressure, vomiting and diarrhea that can lead to severe dehydration. Severe Alcohol Withdrawal SymptomsThis, the most severe set of symptoms can be extremely dangerous, even if the alcoholic is in relatively good health at the time he tries to stop drinking. In order to safely detox from alcohol, these severe alcohol withdrawal symptoms need to be medically managed or alcohol withdrawal can be fatal. The most dangerous alcohol withdrawal symptoms are; hallucinations (usually visual, but can include audio effects and even odors) that can last for a few hours or up to weeks at a time, seizures (very similar to epileptic seizures), convulsions that can cause brain damage or death and delirium tremens (The DTs) that can cause gran mal seizures, strokes and heart attacks. Alcoholism is treatable and the treatment is effective. Alcoholism can also be fatal if it's not treated soon enough. Don't wait until it's too late! Please call our pleasant and caring admissions staff toll-free if you or someone you know is in trouble with alcohol dependency.

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Alcohol Abuse and DependenceAlmost all of us have an occasional drink to relax. Some of us may have a glass of wine with our daily dinner or lunch. Sometimes the occasional habit crosses over into dependence. How is it possible for an ordinary person like you or me to recognize that we are getting dependent on alcohol and we require it daily? Signs of Alcohol Dependence Alcoholism is a very severe form of alcohol dependence. There are many stages in between when a person goes from an occasional drink a week to a bottle a day. More than 14 million Americans are dependent on alcohol or actively addicted. However, the faster you recognize that a problem exists, the faster you can get treatment. If you feel you have become dependent on alcohol, we suggest you step back and evaluate yourself completely through these criteria.1. Tolerance – Most people who drink recreationally do not need to increase their alcoholic intake. Do you need to drink more than normal to get the same buzz or relaxed feeling? This is a common sign that your body is getting used to alcohol. It now requires more alcohol to create the same buzz which you were able to achieve with a single drink. This quality of the body getting used to a certain substance is called as tolerance. Tolerance levels increase with time and eventually, you will have to drink more and more to get the same buzz.2. Loss of control – Most people who are not dependent on alcohol know when to stop drinking. That means they may have a single glass or wine or a single beer and then they stop as they have to go to work in the morning or they have to care for children. Loss of control about the amount of alcohol you are drinking and drinking despite the fact that you promised yourself that you wouldn’t are strong signs of alcohol dependence.3. Drink regardless of situations – Patients who have developed a dependence on alcohol drink irrespective of the situation and it takes up a large amount of their time, energy and focus. They continue to drink irrespective of the fact that they have told that the drinking is affecting their work and their performance. They often reach a point where they only want to attend occasions where drinking is involved, and eventually, end up only going to bars where drinking all the time is perceived by them as most acceptable.4. Denial – Denial is one of the biggest problems that seem to affect patients and they refuse to accept that they have a problem. Patients underplay how much they drink and they also refuse to accept the negative effects of their drinking. They also complain about friends and family exaggerating the problem and actually blame their drinking problems on their friends and family. They may even go so far to say that it is the stress from those that are close nagging all the time that causes them to drink, where it is obvious to everyone around them that the opposite is true.5. Family history – People with a family history of drinking are more likely to justify the drinking or succumb to the problem. Genetic studies have shown that the problem may run in families and an alcoholic home may create the habit in children or justify the habit in the eyes of children. Children of alcoholic mothers are more likely to develop alcohol-related problems.If you answered yes or related to any of these above-mentioned points, do consider getting treatment by asking for help 800-303-2482. Recognize and accept that you have an alcohol dependence problem. This is the first step towards treating yourself. Remember that you are not alone and friends and family have your best interests at heart. If you ask for help, they will step forward to help you through this difficult time. You will meet some amazing people that are also sober, and you will find that being sober really isn’t all that bad, and in fact, you will likely start to have better days and buzzes than you ever did through drinking.

Problems Associated With Alcohol Abuse Alcohol is currently the most abused drug in the world. Alcohol is unlike other drugs, it is legal and can be easily purchased from stores and bars. Sadly, in most countries it is perceived as a common adult beverage. Alcohol may not be classed as a hard drug but it has several negative effects on the human body. Such effects result into health and socio-economic problems.The main problem associated with alcohol abuse is rapid addiction. Once an individual introduces him or herself into the drug he or she risks permanent addiction to it. Alcoholics usually enjoy how their bodies feel after taking alcohol. The bodies slowly adapt to this feeling after prolonged alcohol abuse. With time, the body adapts to this, making it fully functional only when one has taken alcohol. In short, the body becomes dependent on alcohol. This is the ultimate addiction phase where alcohol abuse withdrawal without medical supervision is nearly impossible. Alcohol abuse has been linked to many diseases. The most commonly known alcohol-related disease is liver cirrhosis. The liver is usually affected because it is the main toxin eliminating gland in the body. Alcohol is usually perceived by the body as a toxin. Therefore, the liver assumes the function of eliminating the alcohol from the blood. Alcohol, on the other hand, is very corrosive to the liver. As the liver purifies the blood from alcohol, it is severely and gradually damaged until cirrhosis sets in. Cirrhosis is a very serious liver condition. A cirrhosis patient usually has a liver that doesn’t function effectually. Effective treatment is only possible after the condition is dictated early enough. In most cases, patients require liver transplants to have their bodies resume normal functioning. This is an expensive form of treatment and one has to afford it or risk dying. In fact, due to the related costs of seeking full cirrhosis treatment, most patients usually die before they are treated.Most individuals think that cirrhosis is the only condition linked to prolonged alcohol abuse. However, there are more than 60 health conditions that are triggered by alcohol abuse. An example of a widely unknown alcohol-related condition is anemia. Anemia is a reduction of the red blood cells, which affects the distribution of oxygen and nutrients in the body. Alcohol adversely affects the blood cells since it is distributed in the body through the blood. Anemia sets in when the alcohol destroys the cells at a higher rate than they are produced by the spleen. The anemia symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath and fatigue.A widely unknown alcohol-related risk is the development of cancer. Until recently, cancer has only been linked to the abuse of other drugs excluding alcohol. The recent studies on alcohol have undoubtedly established that alcohol is converted into acetaldehyde by the body, which is a carcinogen. Carcinogens usually accelerate the development of cancerous cells in the body. The most prone cancer development areas due to alcohol abuse include the mouth, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast etc..Fatal Diseases Associated with Alcohol Abuse

Gout

Dementiaseizures

Depression

Cardiovascular diseases

Then there are whole bunch of lifestyle problems that are associated with alcohol from financial troubles, relationship troubles, occupational and overall negative feelings may start to develop, even when drunk as the buzz isn’t so great anymore.Finally, alcohol abuse has been linked to many fatal motor accidents. This is because an individual driving under the influence of alcohol has reduced visual and judgment capabilities. This also includes those who are struck by drunk drivers. Often in these cases the drunk driver survives, only being left to deal with having taken the life of an innocent person driving their car.To reduce such occurrences, there are stringent laws enacted against drunk driving. Therefore, alcohol is linked to a wide range of problems. The best way to avoid such is to strictly avoid alcohol abuse. Additionally, if you are already addicted to alcohol, you can seek help 800-303-2482 through an alcohol addiction rehabilitation center and clinics. You can save yourself so much heartache by checking into a rehab.

Friday, February 19, 2016

Home Alcohol Detox Considering the possibility of quitting, when you are used to ending up with an empty bottle of tequila on a daily basis, could be a little scary. Scarier is the thought of having to go through all the withdrawal symptoms.When your normal physical functions are starting to become dependent on the amount of alcohol you drink, then you are in serious trouble. In fact, you might want to consider seeking medical advice. However, if a medical detox could not be an option, here are five helpful tips to get through withdrawal.Stay StillYou do not necessarily need to be on bed rest during the entire alcohol detox. You may move around the house and stretch some muscles here and there. In fact, it is highly recommended to move a little just so your body will not feel heavy. What is important is that a couch, a bed, or anything you may fall on is always within reach. You must always be prepared for when your body will fail you. Moreover, people on detox are very prone to tonic-clonic seizures and you do not want to be outside your house while on seizure. Bumping your head on something hard could lead to a serious injury or even worse, death.Always Be Around SomeoneThis tip is as important as tip # 1. There are a lot of instances during your detox that imposes threat or danger. One of which is choking over your own vomit and like what was mentioned, a tonic-clonic seizure. People on this kind of seizure should be around someone to have somebody protect his or her head from injury. Be A Stone’s Throw Away from a RestroomTwo of the most common withdrawal symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. Being not near a restroom is a risk you will have to take as you may find yourself soaked in your own vomit. This is a bit too graphic but it is reality. It is also wise to keep a bucket near your bed for instances that you will feel the urge to vomit while sleeping. Load up on WaterThis may be a cliché but drinking tons of water while on detox is of equal importance to your other detox regimens. Most alcoholics vomit a lot, thus leading to severe dehydration. Dehydration will exacerbate the discomfort of detox. Furthermore, not drinking a lot of water may cost you your life.Splurge on Desserts This is probably the easiest one to follow. It was discovered that chocolates is one of the key to a detoxification’s success. It does not eliminate the symptoms but chocolates are said to help release happy hormones thus, making you more comfortable. You will see what I mean when you try it. Follow those 5 simple tips in your detox process and you will realize the difference.Those who are on detox find it difficult to follow through because of the symptoms, these tips will help you achieve your goal.

Alcohol Rehab Centers
Throughout the years, many medical researchers have suggested various treatment approaches to treat alcoholism, or alcohol abuse, in people. Some of these alcoholism treatment strategies include the psychoanalytical 12-step model developed in the 1960s. In the mid 90’s, Meyer and Smith (1995) had developed a new cognitive behavioral model with the expansion of supportive research which collaboratively promoted cognitive behavioral approaches rather than the out-dated psychoanalytical approaches. The 12-step model for alcoholism treatment is based mostly on a repetitive orthodox theory, which lacks clinical guidelines, researched theories, or sound theoretical discussions to back up the model. However, the 12-step model for alcoholism is validated by empirical validation in terms of effectiveness for its use to treat alcoholism to date.Meyer and Smith’s Community Reinforcement Approach differentiates from older alcoholism treatment strategies in that it provides a step-by-step approach, and specifics in terms of “how-to” assess and treat alcoholism. Such guidelines include: detailed descriptions of behavioral skills training, counseling, methods and marital therapy. The Community Reinforcement Approach originates and builds upon the works of Azrin, a well-respected founder for treatment of alcoholism.The Community Reinforcement Approach focuses on long-term recovery from alcohol abuse. For example, “sobriety sampling” in the model explains that treatment must demand immediate commitment to complete and permanent cessation of alcohol use from the person seeking treatment. Counseling in terms of this step allows the counselor to acknowledge and accept the person at the stage that they express themselves to be, and “start where the client is”, rather than assume all persons are at the same stage when seeking help. However, sobriety sampling at this stage in conjunction with the counseling enhances the person seeking help to reframe their long-term sobriety right at the beginning stages of the process for alcoholism treatment. This sensitive approach from the counselor promotes a genuine client-counselor partnership to achieve the long-term goal of staying sober.One criticism of this approach is that the clinical guides do not cover all variations of illnesses and specific treatment guides for them. To illustrate, a person with co-existing mental health illnesses and alcoholism will require greater care and adaptation of the Community Reinforcement Approach than a person free of mental illness; the practitioner will be required to deviate from the specific CRA steps and use previous knowledge to deal with the mental illness.Many clinicians and counselors may resist the Community Reinforcement Approach, and stick to the well-known 12-step method to treat alcoholism as the CRA does not convey a similar approach as the 12-step method. However, the Community Reinforcement Approach is favorable in long-term outcomes for alcoholism treatment, and also used in Alcoholics Anonymous programs.
Throughout the years, many medical researchers have suggested various treatment approaches to treat alcoholism, or alcohol abuse, in people. Some of these alcoholism treatment strategies include the psychoanalytical 12-step model developed in the 1960s. In the mid 90’s, Meyer and Smith (1995) had developed a new cognitive behavioral model with the expansion of supportive research which collaboratively promoted cognitive behavioral approaches rather than the out-dated psychoanalytical approaches. The 12-step model for alcoholism treatment is based mostly on a repetitive orthodox theory, which lacks clinical guidelines, researched theories, or sound theoretical discussions to back up the model. However, the 12-step model for alcoholism is validated by empirical validation in terms of effectiveness for its use to treat alcoholism to date.Meyer and Smith’s Community Reinforcement Approach differentiates from older alcoholism treatment strategies in that it provides a step-by-step approach, and specifics in terms of “how-to” assess and treat alcoholism. Such guidelines include: detailed descriptions of behavioral skills training, counseling, methods and marital therapy. The Community Reinforcement Approach originates and builds upon the works of Azrin, a well-respected founder for treatment of alcoholism.The Community Reinforcement Approach focuses on long-term recovery from alcohol abuse. For example, “sobriety sampling” in the model explains that treatment must demand immediate commitment to complete and permanent cessation of alcohol use from the person seeking treatment. Counseling in terms of this step allows the counselor to acknowledge and accept the person at the stage that they express themselves to be, and “start where the client is”, rather than assume all persons are at the same stage when seeking help. However, sobriety sampling at this stage in conjunction with the counseling enhances the person seeking help to reframe their long-term sobriety right at the beginning stages of the process for alcoholism treatment. This sensitive approach from the counselor promotes a genuine client-counselor partnership to achieve the long-term goal of staying sober.One criticism of this approach is that the clinical guides do not cover all variations of illnesses and specific treatment guides for them. To illustrate, a person with co-existing mental health illnesses and alcoholism will require greater care and adaptation of the Community Reinforcement Approach than a person free of mental illness; the practitioner will be required to deviate from the specific CRA steps and use previous knowledge to deal with the mental illness.Many clinicians and counselors may resist the Community Reinforcement Approach, and stick to the well-known 12-step method to treat alcoholism as the CRA does not convey a similar approach as the 12-step method. However, the Community Reinforcement Approach is favorable in long-term outcomes for alcoholism treatment, and also used in Alcoholics Anonymous programs.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

What is Alcohol dependenceAlcohol dependence is a serious problem, not just in the United States, but around the world. In the US alone, it is estimated that approximately 17 million people have some kind of alcohol problem, although many people are not aware that they have a drinking problem, or are reluctant to admit it. If you are struggling or affected by alcohol in any way, shape or form, our counselors are available to talk 24 hours a day and provide you the help you need. Please call 800-303-2482 to speak with someone now.Those who are dependent on alcohol face a variety of health problems, as well as emotional issues, depression, detachment from family and friends and problems at work. In addition, alcohol abuse is incredibly costly; it is estimated that alcoholism and alcohol abuse costs between $40 billion and $60 billion each year. Of course, the cost in human terms is high as well, and every year thousands of people are injured and killed in alcohol-related driving accidents.There are various factors that can cause a dependency on alcohol, and contrary to popular belief it is not only the poor or poorly educated who have drinking problems. Those who earn more and who are better educated are more likely to drink to excess, and a fairly recent and alarming trend is an increase in the number of young people abusing alcohol. For many young people, heavy drinking is virtually a rite of passage and has come to be an acceptable thing to do. Alcohol, of course, plays a big part in most celebrations, weddings, parties and other social events, making it easy to develop dependence without even being aware of it. Many alcoholics have a family member who also abused alcohol while some have a mental condition causing them to drink. Of course, major life events such as job loss, divorce or the death of a loved one can also trigger a dependency on alcohol.Alcoholism was classed as a disease by the American Medical Association in 1991, and like most diseases it has symptoms that can help to identify it. Being able to recognize the signs of an alcohol dependence is important, and is a vital first step in effectively fighting the disease. If a family member or friend seems to be guilty about their drinking, drinks at unusual times such as early in the morning, or makes comments about having to cut down or give up drinking, these can all be clues.Hiding alcohol around the house, or worrying that there is not enough drink in the house can both be signs of alcohol addiction too. Many people who have a dependence on alcohol find that the quality of their work can suffer noticeably; they can also become short or irritable. Legal problems that recur that are due to alcohol, such as DUI convictions should also raise a red flag. There is also a fine line between abuse and dependency; in general someone who abuses alcohol is not physically dependent on it and is able to control their drinking, while someone dependent is unable to do so.For anyone who is dependent on alcohol, there are various solutions for treatment for available. Many people who have a mild drinking problem are able to make the effort themselves to stop drinking, especially if family and friends are understanding and encouraging. Of course, a person has to want to quit drinking; they also need to acknowledge that they have an alcohol dependency. Treatment can include various medications, counseling and therapy, all intended to address the immediate problem, but also to ensure that the participant stays alcohol-free.Most treatment also places an emphasis on education, ensuring that those dependent on alcohol understand the problems and risks that are associated with heavy drinking. Some programs are designed specifically to treat children, and there are also various alternative treatment methods, including acupuncture. Outpatient programs allow an alcoholic to receive treatment and help without the inconvenience of having to stay in a facility, whereas an inpatient program requires a stay of up to 90 days in a hospital or facility, receiving appropriate treatment.It is important to attempt to detect alcohol dependence in oneself or anyone you care about. Once one sees this, it is very important to look for help as soon as possible. It is usually not that simple, but that is highly recommended. There are many negative aspects to continuing on with alcohol dependence, which will most likely turn into full-blown alcoholism, and then statistically the individual is headed to one of four places.These places are recovery, or jails, institutions and death, and the choice is ultimately their and can’t be imposed. There is a plethora of help available for anyone struggling with alcohol abuse, and many willing people that will lend a hand either at a professional level or even in a 12 step program such as AA.

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Signs Of Alcohol Dependence Alcohol dependence commonly referred to as Alcoholism or alcohol abuse can occur for a number of reasons. Whilst you may not originally think you are becoming addicted to the substance that millions of people enjoy each and every week, the truth is that it is addictive and there is always a possibility that it is happening to you.Alcohol dependence is most commonly recognized when a user starts to consume alcohol on an almost daily basis, when they start to turn to alcohol as a resolution to their personal problems and using the substance to generally feel better about themselves. As it seems like a problem solving drink those users are often unaware an addiction is occurring.Being alcohol dependent or having alcohol dependence does not mean you are an alcoholic; however it does mean that you rely on alcohol to help you through certain situations, and you have a physical dependence that calls you back to it constantly. Alcohol will often influence you in different ways and your dependence could be harmful to yourself or others around you.Relying on alcohol to make you feel better. This is one of the first signs of alcohol dependence. When you start to feel that nothing else will be able to pick you up you will start to drink regularly to try and get that happy feeling. The reality is that alcohol provides us with false happiness and a false sense of security that is not real. The next day the feeling simply reoccurs. You start to increase your tolerance with alcohol and have to drink more to become drunk.If you notice that you are getting withdrawal symptoms when you do not drink, it is a very big sign that you are becoming alcohol dependent.Alcohol Dependence Withdrawal SymptomsNauseaAnxiousFatigueVomitingInsomniaSweatingShakinessDepressedHeadachesLoss of appetiteSymptoms of Alcohol DependenceYou try to quit drinking but simply can’t.You pick drinking over other daily activities that were previously important in your life.You continue to drink even though it has started to cause problems for you and those around you.You lose control of your drinking habits and drink alcohol even when you know you shouldn’t or do not want too.A lot of people who suffer from alcohol dependence are in denial and this can often prevent them from tackling their problem head on. As soon as you are able to come out of denial and accept that you are becoming alcohol dependent you are much more likely to seek the correct help and respond to it in a positive nature.Seeking Help for Alcohol DependencyThe first thing to do is to come to terms with what you are going to have to do to eliminate the problem. Professional help is always at hand and if you consult with your local doctor there is a high chance they can refer you to a professional program. Be truthful with those who are offering to help and take their advice and teachings to heart so that you can really try to resolve your problem before it becomes too late. They understand the need for confidentiality, so you don’t have to worry about that, and they have very likely heard much more crazy stories than yours.Alcohol causes thousands of deaths a year and a number of these are people who are suffering with alcoholism, so do yourself a favor and try to set your life straight before you take your drinking problem too far. It is pretty much a guarantee that if you continue down that road, all sorts of things will get a whole lot worse, for you and those you are close to may be affected, and the worst thing that could happen is you may die from health related factors or an accident, so take this seriously and get the help you need.